Menstrual Cups: Here’s What You Should Know About Them

More and more women are starting to prefer menstrual cups over pads and tampons and that’s not really surprising. The cups are easier and more convenient to use. The cups allow one to save tons of money, too.

Now, although menstrual cups offer tons of benefits, you shouldn’t just use them without doing your research. If it’s your first time to try one, make sure to read everything below.

A Brief History of Menstrual Cups

Believe it or not, menstrual cups aren’t really that new. In fact, it’s an old invention.

The first prototypes were known as catamenial socks. They were patented between 1860 and 1870. They looked different from today’s design because the sacks came with a belt.

After that, there were more internal devices for menstrual flow that came out. Some of them came with valves that allowed women to empty the device without taking it out of the vagina.

The first cups that look similar to what we have today were first introduced in 1937. Made from latex rubber, it was patented soon after.

Although the cups worked, they didn’t last that long. There was a shortage of latex rubber during World War II and that forced the production of the menstrual cups to stop.

By 1980s, the menstrual cups were reintroduced. And by the start of the 21st century, cups made with medical-grade silicone became available to the public.

Are Menstrual Cups Safe?

In general, menstrual cups are safe to use. Picking up an infection from the cup is extremely rare, too. You’re more likely to get bacteria from your hands than your cup.

Getting Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS is rare, too. It’s more likely to happen if you keep your menstrual cup for really long periods.

Take note that you can actually sleep with your menstrual cup in. You can even shower while wearing it. You won’t have to worry about strings or pads getting soaked.

How to Use A Menstrual Cup

Although menstrual cups are considered safe, proper use is still important. Knowing exactly how to use a menstrual cup can minimize the chances of infection and other negative effects.

After getting your menstrual cup, the first thing you need to do is sterilize it by putting the cup in boiling water. Leave it there for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Before you take the cup out of the water, remember to wash your hands. You’re likely to introduce bacteria to your body if you don’t do proper handwashing.

Next step is to get comfortable. If it’s your first time to use a menstrual cup, it’s important for you to find the best way to insert it. You can do it while standing, sitting or squatting. 

Try to relax and open up your legs. It will help ensure a comfortable and successful insertion.

Now, prior to insertion, you need to fold the cup. Once it’s inside you, just let the cup pop open. To check, you can reach in and try to feel the base of your cup. It shouldn’t have any noticeable folds.

If you there’s any dent, carefully grip the cup’s base and rotate it. This maneuver should make the cup unfold.

When it comes to removing your menstrual cup, try to push it downward using your abdominal muscles. Keep pushing until you are able to reach its base. Relaxing the muscles in the area helps, too.

Then, carefully pinch the base. This will release the suction and help ease the cup out. As much as possible, don’t tag or pull the menstrual cup by its stem. You’ll feel pain by doing that.

You can use the cup for as long as 12 hours. You can even use it overnight.

Take note, however, that you may have to empty the cup more often if your flow is heavy. In general, a menstrual cup can contain as much as what 3 super tampons can hold.

Tips on Using A Menstrual Cup for The First Time

Getting comfortable wearing a menstrual cup can take time. You may even need to do a few trial and error to get it right.

To make the process a bit easier, here are some tips you can use.

Wear a panty liner

Wearing a menstrual cup for the first time can leave you worrying about leaking and stains. To ease your mind, you can wear a panty liner until you’re used to the cups.

Find your cervix

Women have differently positioned cervixes. To ensure that you don’t have to deal with a leak, try to place your cup right below your cervix.

If you use your fingers, your cervix should feel like a firm area of tissue. Once you find it, place your menstrual cup under it.

Use a lubricant

A lubricant can make insertion a lot easier. You can use plain water or you can pick a water-based lubricant.

Adjust the cup’s stem

If you have tried the cup for a couple of times and you find it uncomfortable, try to cut its stem shorter. Trim little by little so you’d know what length is comfortable for you.

Practice before you actually get your period

Inserting your menstrual cup while you’re bleeding isn’t the best experience. Apart from that it’s messy, you may not have a good feel of your cervix with all the blood.

So, before your actual period, try to practice inserting your menstrual cup.

Insert at the correct angle

Avoid inserting your menstrual cup in a vertical or straight angle. Instead, insert it at a 45-degree angle and aim it towards your spine’s base. 

Get the right size

You may experience discomfort or leaking issues if you get the wrong cup size. So, before purchasing, make sure to read a particular brand’s sizing guidelines for accuracy and to ensure that the cup will create enough suction to keep it in place.